Saluang: Indonesia musical instrument

The saluang is a traditional musical instrument of the Minangkabau people of the Western Sumatra, Indonesia. The musical instrument is analogous to the flute in general and commonly manufactured bamboo. The instrument is related to the suling of other parts of the country.

source of picture: my.opera.com

The musical instrument is produced of thin bamboo or talang with four holes. The musical instrument is simpler than other types of flute because it is produced by just adding four holes and finish. The dimension of the musical instrument is 3 to 4 cm in diameter and 40 to 60 cm in length. The saluang is related to the suling of other parts of the country, Indonesia.

The players of the musical instrument can play the instrument without interrupting for taking breath from start to the last part of the song. The players of the instrument have developed a special breathing style in blowing the musical instrument without pausing for breathtaking.

The people of Minangkabau believe that the talang that is collected from the rack clothes dryer or found drifting in the river is a good material for manufacturing the instrument. Traditionally, these people also use the instrument as a container for sticky rice food and as horizontal rack for drying clothes under the sunlight.

One famous player of the instrument is Idris Sutan Sati with saluang female singer known as Syamsimar. In the contemporary days, it is not easy to find classic saluang cartridge even in original place of saluang.

Styles of saluang tune for instance: Singgalang, Pariaman, Koto Tuo, Ratok Solok, Cupak, Salayo and Pauah. Singgalang pattern is so hard for the beginners or learners of the instrument. High skilled player of the musical instrument can perform many styles and audience can demand any style to them.

In the past, the people of Minangkabau believe that the player of the instrument have pitunang or magic power for fascinating the listeners.